In 1987, I had a marvelous, unique experience of living in Kyoto, Japan. So you can imagine the news of Japan getting hit by a major earthquake and tsunami deeply impacted me. I immediately thought of my six host families and all the students I met and taught. Are they safe and out of harms way? Where were they at the time of the quake and huge waves of water coming ashore?

Late yesterday afternoon, I got word from my favorite Japanese “sister” that she and her family are safe. I was so relieved, I cried when I got the news! The entire country is in my thoughts and prayers constantly right now.

I know it’s a cliché to say “we’re all connected” but international disasters certainly make us realize this more and more, don’t they? Everyone I talked to yesterday knew someone in Japan – they were either trying to locate them or already knew of their whereabouts. We truly are all connected, loving our brothers and sisters around the world.